Videos

Meet The Trustees

As an overseeing body, The Board of Trustees is the custodian of Satya Sanatan Dharma Cultural Sabha of Canada [Devi Mandir]. It is essentially responsible for:

- Up-holding the By-laws of the organization:- Preserving the core religious, social and cultural values of the organization- Maintaining an environment of openness, transparency and non discriminatory practices, - Ensuring fiscal responsibility- Conducting open and transparent elections - Resolving disputes and mediating conflicts- Collaborating with the Board of Directors to ensure stability, continuity, fair practices and good governance- Ensuring that the rights of its members and devotees are respected, valued and appreciated

Bal Rampersad

A retired public and private school educator - teacher, consultant, program coordinator and principal - with undergraduate degrees from Concordia, University of Toronto and a graduate degree in education from McGill University. He served on several provincial, regional and local boards & committees with the Quebec Ministry of Education, McGill University and the Regional School Board of Laval, Quebec where he worked for more than 25 years as an education consultant and program coordinator. Bal and his wife, Sattie, are life time members of the Devi Mandir.

Basil Punit

A Canadian Chartered Accountant [CA] and a US certified Public Accountant [CPA] with over 30 years of experience in both public accounting and industry in Canada and United States with specialization in U.S and International tax . He worked for Price Waterhouse Coopers LLP and Magna International and is a frequent speaker at tax seminars and conferences. He is the past president of the Guyana-Canada Chamber of Commerce in Toronto and was profiled in the Globe and Mail for his community work in Canada, Guyana and the Caribbean. He is associated with the Devi Mandir for about 20 years and served the temple in many capacities including V.P Finance, Membership and Director. He was instrumental in drafting the first and new By-Laws of the organization. He is currently a director on the Board of Directors of the Mandir. He and his wife, Anna, are life time members of the Devi Mandir.

Jairam Binda

A businessman with extensive experience in accounting and governance for not-for-profit organizations including Easter Seals and the March of Dimes. He served as the controller for Easter Seals for over ten years. He is associated with the temple from its very inception serving as Controller, Secretary and Director. Jai helped to draft the first Constitution of the Organization. Jai and his wife, Mona, are life time members of Devi Mandir and are ardent supporters of the organization.

Ramesh Sankar

A retired Accountant with over 30 years Accounting and Finance experience with one of the world’s largest financial institution. He held Progressive Managerial/ Senior Managerial positions specializing in Treasury Trading and International Operations. He held many executive positions in multiple charitable and volunteer organizations including Treasurer of the Devi Mandir. He served as the Mandir’s first Accountant. He was involved in many fund raising events that helped to fund the building of the Devi Mandir. Ramesh currentlyvolunteers at the Mandir; both he and his wife are long time devotees of the Devi Mandir.

Vitra [Tony]Chankar

A graduate of Seneca College and University of Toronto, Tony specialized in Marketing and Electronic Pre-press. He is an astute business man and operates a successful printing business since 1991. His second company, TicketGateway Inc., has subsidiaries in 17 countries with offices in Canada, US, India and Trinidad. His strong marketing, design and IT background have given him the skill-set, experience and vision to remain successful in today’s highly competitive marketplace. He has been providing service to the mandir for the past 15 years – printing, web re-design and live streaming of Sunday morning services. He is a community worker, volunteer and exhibits a high degree of integrity and social responsibility. Tony and his wife, Ena, are life time members of Devi Mandir, he also have two wonderful kids Nishani and Naveen.

Satya Sanatan Dharma -Audited- December 31, 2014

Monthly Events

Acharya Sachin Phagooji at Devi Mandir on 7th January 2018

Highlights from Shriman Jack Chan 75th Birthday Celebrations held at the Devi Mandir on 17th December 2017

HIghlights from Hindu Heritage Month-Hosted by Devi Mandir

Highlights from the Members Appreciation Dinner held at the Devi Mandir -2nd December 2017

Some highlights from our Geeta Gyaan Yagna sponsored by Shriman Buddy Rampersad and Family

Lunch after Final Session on Sunday:

Indian Flag Raising Ceremony:

Devi Mandir was represented last week end at the Indian Flag raising ceremony held at the Pickering City Hall.

Thanks to all those who attended and for your participation in singing both the Canada and Indian National Anthem.

Picture below shows some of the attendees with the Mayor of Pickering:

COAT DRIVE 2017-2018

Hi All,

We do a coat drive yearly for the Toronto Breakfast club. The drive is starting again and we would like to ask you for your assistance in collecting as many coats as possible for the underprivileged in and around the Toronto area.

I also include members from the nearby mandirs and hope you can ask your members for their support.

Please pass on this message to as many people as you see fit and I will arrange to collect the coats.

Regards

Bharat and Cintra Persad

905-455-4860

Message from the Vice Chair of Devi Mandir

Namaste Everyone,

I want to thank everyone personally for all the best wishes I received as I celebrated my birthday this past month.

As I reflect upon my life, I must say that I consider myself abundantly blessed by Devi Maa. I have been given the rare opportunity to serve the Lord in two Mandirs, two of his homes, in the capacity of a leader. I must say when Vishnu Sookar and Bal Rampersad approached me last year to assist in serving at the Devi Mandir, I was a bit hesitant. After reflection of the joys that Devi Mandir brought into my life during my early years in Canada, providing a home away from home for me, when I migrated from my homeland in Trinidad, I believed that this was Maata Ji's way of providing an opportunity for me to serve her and carry out my duties and responsibilities to her, just as any child will do for her Mother.

Devi Mandir filled a void in my life that allowed me to permanently make Canada my home. Last year, being presented with the opportunity to serve Devi Maa, I looked upon it as a chance to repay a little of that debt. I was even more elated when the membership placed me second place in the Elections of Directors after knowing about my history and involvement with both Mandirs. The membership placed their faith in me to carry out the work needed to bring Devi Mandir back to the leadership position she once occupied.

Today, I am very pleased to be working with a group of dedicated directors whose main interests are the betterment of Devi Mandir. I have rekindled my faith in people. Gandhi Ji said "You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the entire ocean does not become dirty."

During the past year, having the blessings of serving at both Mandirs, I have seen the miracles of the Lord. I have clearly understood that no man is greater than God, that we are merely instruments carrying out the Lord's Will. During this path, I have traversed through many thorns; however, through God's grace, I have managed to succeed at every step. Even though others have criticized me for being in a conflict of interest serving the Lord at two Mandirs, I continue to carry out the Lord's work selflessly. I continue to consider myself blessed to have the opportunity to serve the Lord in both of his homes.

Subject: Ash Scattering by the Lake at Peak Trail Open Space in Pickering:

Use of the Ash Scattering Site – Please Clean Up after use

The blessings of godliness are to be clean and respectful of others. Please be mindful of the environment, wildlife, ecosystems, and others using the space. Let’s all protect this legacy for future generations to inherit and enjoy.

1.THIS SITE IS FOR ASH SCATTERING ONLY. All other offerings are strictly prohibited.

2.BE RESPECTFUL to all others including children who use the lake daily for recreation. Please clean up.

3.As you scatter the ash, YOU MAY OFFER a few natural petals or loose flowers with no strings. These will eventually bio degrade and melt in the lake. Please clean up after use.

4.DO NOTdump or throw general items of prayer in the water, or leave any non-biodegradable material behind. These prohibited items include Cloth, Plastic, Foil, Strings, Artificial Flowers, Ornaments, Pictures, Personal Belongings of the deceased etc. These items must be placed in the existing garbage bin located by the bicycle path or taken back to your home.

5.DO NOTbury any material in the sand or discard in a careless manner in the lake as these will be washed up, tossed around and exposed within a very short period creating a big mess on the beach.

6.LEAVE THE AREA VERY CLEAN.In addition to dignifying the loved one whose ashes have just been peacefully scattered in a dignified way, it is unfair to all residents and users if you leave a mess behind.

7.REMEMBERthat Ash and a few petals goes in the water. Other stuff goes in the garbage.

Travel Directions to Peak Trail Open Space Ash Scattering by the Lake in Pickering

1.If coming from the West take 401 East to Brock Road exit South in Pickering

Proceed on Brock South until you reach Bayly.

Turn left on Bayly and go to Squirres Beach Road by the Flea Market

Jump to point 3 for further directions

2.If coming from the East, take 401 West to Westney Road exit South in Ajax

Proceed on Westney South until you reach Bayly.

Turn right on Bayly and go to Squirres Beach Road by the Flea Market

Jump to point 3 for further directions

3.South on Squirres Beach Road to the very end and make a left at McKay Road

Mc Kay is a winding road which is partly paved and then gravel to the lake. Follow this Road to the end where there is a small place to park on your right

Walk straight across the bicycle path past the Aum sign, down the ramp to the lake and turn right to scatter the ash where convenient, while being respectful of others.

Please remember to leave the Ash Scattering Site Very Clean after use

Thank you for your kind Cooperation and for respecting the use of this facility

Meet our Pandits

Pandit Jag Gossai appointed Head Priest at Devi Mandir:

The devotees and members of Devi Mandir wish to congratulates Pandit Jag Gossai on his appointment as Resident Priest and Spiritual Leader of the Devi Mandir. Pandit Jag served as a volunteer at Devi Mandir for the last

seven years and has the experience and knowledge to lead the mandir to greater heights.

Pandit Jag who is also a professional educator having lectured in several Colleges and Universities for many years has vast knowledge of our scriptures and has the ability to deliver these messages in a simple yet effective manner to the benefit

of the entire congregation. He is particularly interested in training of the children via Bal Vikaas so that they can become Ambassadors of Hinduism.

We all wish Pandit Jag all the best at this new appointment and pray that the Divine Mother will bless him as he execute his duties.

Jai Maata Di- Contact: 416-689-7243 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

New Pundits at Devi Mandir:

Devi Mandir welcomes two new pundits from India, Pundit Narsingha and Pundit Parshuram Shukl. These pundits will be responsible for all religious observances on a day to day basis in accordance with the directives set out by the Head Priest .

Both pundits are very knowledgeable in our scriptures and have since improved the energy levels at the mandir with their vedic chantings. Again, we will like to welcome both pundits who have been well received by the devotees and will work with them to increase the services offered at the Devi Mandir for the benefit of the community.

Classes

Tabla Classes At Devi Mandir

Tabla Class We are proud to offer you tabla classes facilitated by a trained Teacher!

Registration will begin on August 7, 2016! If you are interested please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Time: Sunday after Service

Class #1 - 12:30 Noon- 1:15 PM

Class #2 - 1:15 PM - 2 PM

Location: Devi Mandir Mezzanine (3rd Floor)

Vocal & Harmonium Classes At Devi Mandir

Music has long been important to Hinduism. Since the creation of the universe and the chanting of the cosmic sound "AUM", music has always been associated with the Hindu way of life. Classes are being offered at the Devi Mandir to all those interested in learning light Hindustani Classical Music. From bhajans to geets, ghazals to film songs, the oppurtunity to learn the lighter aspects of Hindustani vocal is at the Devi Mandir.

Kirtan Classes At Devi Mandir

We are delighted to offer you free Kirtan classes on Sundays from 1:00 to 2:00 pm for both adults & children. We have high-skilled committed teachers who volunteer their time each week to facilitate the classes! If you are interested in joining, please email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.